TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials are taking steps to construct two new traffic signals on county roads in Jackson Township and Toms River Township.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders expects to advertise the work during its regular board meeting at 4 p.m., Aug. 3.

"These new traffic signals will help improve safety and traffic flow at the intersections," said Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety. "Safety always remains the top priority when it comes to any improvements we make on our roads."

The traffic signals are expected to be installed at County Route 528 Veterans Highway at Butterfly Road/Grand Boulevard in Jackson Township and at the intersection of Church and Todd roads in Toms River Township.

The new signal in Jackson Township will help control traffic at the intersection, which is scheduled to be widened to three lanes at Route 528.

The Toms River Township traffic light will accommodate the three lanes of traffic on Church Road and the two lanes on Todd Road.

"Jackson Township officials approached the county and asked us to consider placing a traffic light at the intersection," Kelly said. "Following the necessary steps to meet the requirements, we are pleased to be able to move ahead with installing a light there."

He noted the county had been monitoring the Church Road site in Toms River to determine whether it met the requirements for a traffic signal.

Freeholder James F. Lacey noted that with the largest county road network in the state, it's important to work with the municipalities and the state Department of Transportation to determine the areas best served by new traffic signals.

"It is safety first in Ocean County," Lacey said.

Work on installing the signals could begin later this year and be completed in early 2012. The cost of the project is estimated to be about $475,000.

Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari noted that the county installs about five new traffic signals in various areas of the county annually.

"As Ocean County's population continues to grow we know the number of motorists also increases," Vicari said. "Our Engineering Department and Road Department is very proactive in making sure our roads are well maintained and safe."